CHAR A. 



the fine colour of which is soon lost in the open air, but 

 its beauty of structure remains. 



The above enumeration of a few selected specimens 

 from this numerous and beautiful genera, exhibiting a 

 wonderful multiplicity of forms, all of which will be found 

 to possess much interest for the microscopist, have been 

 taken at random, for the purpose of showing the principle 

 upon which the Algologist proceeds with his nomenclature 

 of the species. 



Many kinds furnish man with a wholesome and pala- 

 table food : the Laver of our sea-shores, the Carrageen, or 

 Irish Moss, with others, belonging to this group; and 

 from them are formed the edible birds'-nests, which are 

 considered a great delicacy by the Chinese. The valuable 

 medicinal substance Iodine, is also produced from alyce. 1 



Char a vulgaris is the plant in which the important fact 

 of vegetable circulation was discovered, and in which, from 

 the extreme simplicity of its structure, much more is pos- 

 sibly observable, and with lower magnifying powers than 

 other plants require. Fig. 125, No. 1, is a portion of the 

 plant of the natural size. Every knot may produce roots ; 

 but it is remarkable, that they always proceed from the 

 upper surface of the knot, and then turn downwards ; so 

 that it is not peculiar that the first roots also should rise 

 upwards with the plant, and come out of the seed-skin, and 

 then turn downwards. 



The very remarkable " Phytozoa or plant animal " 

 fructification which takes place in chara, at that part 

 known as the globule, was firat observed by Mr. Varley in 

 1833, since by Meyen and Unger in mosses, and by Nageli 

 in ferns. 



Mr. Varley noticed : " The ripe globule spontaneously 

 open ; the filaments expand and separate into clusters." 

 " These tube-like filaments are divided into numerous 

 compartments, in" which are produced the most extra- 

 ordinary objects ever observed of vegetable origin. Fig. 

 126 B. At first they are seen agitated and moving in their 



(1) For further information, see Dr. Harvey's Algce, and Dr. HassaH's Fresh- 

 Water Algce. Mr. John Grant is preparing for publication much new and 

 interesting information on Sea-weeds. His preparation of specimens for the 

 microscope are excellent. Mr. Baker, 244, Holborn, and Mr. Ladd, Chancery 

 Lane, supply sets prepared by this gentleman. 



At page 529 a drawing of the development of Ulvae is given, which see. 



